Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafal Cwiok.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rafal. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was introduced to filmmaking at the age of 12 and would film practically everything after I got my first camera, compiling the footage into little music videos at home. I moved from Chicago to LA to pursue a career in acting when my ambitions steered me to switch over to the other side of the camera.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t believe in a smooth road to success. A large struggle was actually allowing myself to accept that I wanted to be a filmmaker instead of an actor. I felt like I was betraying my childhood dream when, in fact, I was allowing myself to learn more about what I actually wanted to do.
My largest struggle is confidence in myself as a filmmaker. Whenever I create a video, I always beat myself up, thinking it’s not good enough because I’m not good enough. I’ve hesitated to accept jobs from clients because I didn’t believe that I could produce a product that’s up to par with the company. But moving past such a negative mindset and remembering that I have room to grow is why I keep hitting record.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My videography focuses on constant movement in the footage I create. I use a camera stabilizer to produce very steady, cinematic shots that are much more eye-catching that static ones. I film live events, promotional, travel, and lifestyle videos.
I’m not set in my ways yet. I haven’t found my niche in filmmaking, so I’m incredibly flexible with trying new techniques with lighting and angles. I feel that’s something I’m able to provide that other filmmakers don’t.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Jill Logsdon played one of the largest roles for my development as a filmmaker. She helped push me to new lengths and gave me the confidence to take on projects that I would otherwise feel too under-qualified for. Her knowledge in business also helped create connections for my work to be seen.
My adventurous friends have taken me to beautiful locations all around LA in order to expand my work and introduce me to new environments to help further my craft and try new ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: instagram.com/rafalcwiok
- Youtube: youtube.com/rafalcwiok
- Facebook: facebook.com/rafalcwiokfilm
Image Credit:
Szuszanik Hovakimyan
Stanislav Roshas
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